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Possible to not have anger and depression?

Page last modified on: October 8, 2008
Question from Kate: It's been three months since my diagnosis. I haven't cried, or felt sorry for myself, or asked, "Why me?" Friends and family think I'm in denial, but I think I'm handling it really well. Is it possible to skip the anger and depression typically associated with a new diagnosis or am I kidding myself?
Answer —Lidia Schapira, M.D.:  I think you may be coping just fine. You may be engaged in a process of sorting through your treatment options, and actively taking treatment, and doing everything you can to get better. If you are able to come to terms with the situation, and name your emotions, and don't feel the need to cry, then hang in there! And don't be surprised if perhaps the tears come later. There is no set formula for how to cope, and perhaps your friends and family may expect a different reaction from what they're seeing, but nothing in your statement suggests to me that you're not coping well.

On Wednesday, March 15, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Coping with Your Changing Feelings and Relationships. Lidia Schapira, M.D. and moderator Jennifer Armstrong, M.D. answered your questions about facing your fears head-on, handling moodiness and depression, diffusing tension with your partner and feeling close without sexual activity, as well as issues of self-image and femininity.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Lidia Schapira, M.DLidia Schapira, M.D. is a medical oncologist at the Gillette Center for Breast Oncology at the Massachusetts General Hospital and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Jennifer Armstrong, M.D.Jennifer Armstrong, M.D. is a breast cancer oncologist at Paoli Hematology-Oncology Associates in Paoli, Pa., with a special interest in physicians' communication skills.

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